Welcome
to Tokyo, the capital of Japan and the epitome of the word “megacity.”
In this vast metropolis, ancient traditions blend with futuristic buildings, and your Tokyo sightseeing will take you to representations of each. Pay your respects at temples set in forested hillsides, then flex your credit card in one of the shopping districts, before sitting down to a five-star meal…all in one day.
Your Tokyo tour begins with the subway and train system, which will take you all over this sprawling city. Tokyo is home to some 35 million people, many of which you’ll meet as its public transit carries you throughout its many neighborhoods. Make a stop in Asakusa, a temple district nestled in leafy trees with skyscrapers towering in the background. There you’ll visit Nakamisi Dori, a street loaded with food vendors and religious charms. Get to know the city a little better in the Harajuku district, home to cutting-edge fashion, a thriving, youth-centered culture, and the famous Yoyogi Park. The park stands out in stern contrast to the rest of the neighborhood; this sprawling, 134-acre green space is where locals slow down after a frenzied week of work and play.
As night falls, make your way to Shinjuku. Many of Tokyo’s premier restaurants and pubs span Shinjuku’s streets, and you can indulge in succulent 5-star meals or sample with fast food from local vendors. Watch a movie, do some karaoke, and linger with fellow travelers and friendly locals alike.
In this vast metropolis, ancient traditions blend with futuristic buildings, and your Tokyo sightseeing will take you to representations of each. Pay your respects at temples set in forested hillsides, then flex your credit card in one of the shopping districts, before sitting down to a five-star meal…all in one day.
Your Tokyo tour begins with the subway and train system, which will take you all over this sprawling city. Tokyo is home to some 35 million people, many of which you’ll meet as its public transit carries you throughout its many neighborhoods. Make a stop in Asakusa, a temple district nestled in leafy trees with skyscrapers towering in the background. There you’ll visit Nakamisi Dori, a street loaded with food vendors and religious charms. Get to know the city a little better in the Harajuku district, home to cutting-edge fashion, a thriving, youth-centered culture, and the famous Yoyogi Park. The park stands out in stern contrast to the rest of the neighborhood; this sprawling, 134-acre green space is where locals slow down after a frenzied week of work and play.
As night falls, make your way to Shinjuku. Many of Tokyo’s premier restaurants and pubs span Shinjuku’s streets, and you can indulge in succulent 5-star meals or sample with fast food from local vendors. Watch a movie, do some karaoke, and linger with fellow travelers and friendly locals alike.
Tokyo; a city of flashing neon lights,
super-advanced gadgetry, Hello Kitty and about 13 million people, which makes
it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Travel in Tokyo is
one of the most exciting and energy-pumping things you can do on your gap year.
But it's got more to offer than batteries,
bodies and blinking lights. From the cacophony of sights, sounds and smells
that is Tokyo, it is possible to make a short journey and find yourself atop a
mountain with nothing other than peace and tranquillity surrounding you. It may
be far to travel to but it's got a whole lot to offer - whether you like
stuffed cat toys or not.
At its core the city is steeped in culture
and tradition, extremely proud of its history and heritage. It's not uncommon to see geishas and
locals in traditional dress alongside men in suits on the perfectly-oiled
underground, and it is that. Tokyo is city that is unbelievably efficient;
there are no late trains here.
With so much going on, first-time visitors
should be prepared for a massive assault on the senses - just walking the streets of
this hyperactive city can be an energizing experience.
Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited
choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dinning to its
visitors; it's safe to say that there really is something for everyone here.
The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many
excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. And contrary to common
perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city
centre and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts. Also, it can
be surprisingly cheap too if you know how to look after your budget with cheap
cafes and some of the world's best hostels.
In Tokyo you can quietly contemplate life
beside a carp on in the Zen-like Hamarikyu Gardens one minute and get lost in
the concrete jungle of Shiodome's skyscrapers. One of the best times of the
year to visit the city on your gap year is the cherry blossom festival; all the
gardens transform into something from a manga magazine and city seems to thrive
on the turn of the season.
Tokyo is a big, bright, buzzing, bustling
city that never sleeps. If there's one thing for certain, you'll have an
amazing time in Tokyo on your gap year.
What was your favorite part of Tokyo?
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